Chado
URASENKE: Wa Kei Sei Jaku Koyoshitsu
Tea Ceremony: The Way of Tea
Students will learn procedures for making tea as well as how to integrate the spirit of tea into their study and daily lives.
Class instructions will be adapted to the level of experience of students. The introductory course (not offered Fall 2025) will cover how to consume sweets and tea as a guest, etiquette, and historical background.
- 9 Classes
- Minimum Age: 18
- New Students: Start of Term
- Series Start: Spring, Fall
- Pre-requisite:
- Beginner - none
- Intermediate - Beginner and instructor's approval
Necessary equipment includes: Fukusa set including fukusa, kobukusa, yo-ji and kai-shi. Please ask instructors about information on purchasing the equipment.
What is a Fukusa?
Fukusa is a key tool used in Chado. It is both practical and symbolic, used to ritually purify utensils and demonstrate respect, grace, and mindfulness. It is a square piece of silk cloth, usually about 27-30 cm (10-12 in) on each side. It is folded and handled in specific, ritualized ways during a tea gathering to cleanse tea utensils like the tea scoop (chashaku) or tea container (natsume).
Fukusa embodies the values of Chado or Sado: purity, harmony, respect, and tranquility. Its slow, deliberate handling helps focus both the host and the guest in the present moment, reflecting a centuries-old cultural practice rooted in beauty and mindfulness.
(a 100% silk Fukusa is highly recommended. It is much easier to manipulate and use.)
Attire: Bring clean white socks or tabi to change into for the class. Modest attire-mid calf skirt/dress or trousers is most comfortable (no jeans). Avoid wearing perfumes, fragrances, or bright nail polish. Remove any finger jewelry and watches.
What to expect: It may be necessary to sit on your knees for more than twenty minutes to do most of the procedures during the classes. However, we will be in various groups, and we will be using the table and chair method as well. Any physical or dietary concerns should be brought forward. (Sweets served may contain beans, eggs, soy, flour, rice, dairy, sesame, or other allergens.)
JCCC Membership is required. To apply/renew JCCC membership, please submit a membership application.
Instructors
Kazuko Baba, Sachiko Iwata, and Sumiko Yamashita